September 2, 2005—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is extending until November 7, 2005, the comment period for its lead in construction standard that requires testing for lead exposures, provisions to protect workers from exposure where lead is present, and medical monitoring of exposed workers.
According to OSHA, the construction industry employs millions of workers in jobs where lead exposures are most likely to occur, such as paint removal, building and bridge renovation, plumbing, and water system repair and replacement. Overexposure to lead can cause serious damage to the body’s blood-forming, nervous, urinary, and reproductive systems. OSHA’s lead in construction standard establishes procedures for minimizing the level of exposure to lead for all workers covered.
Directions for commenting are available in the August 29 Federal Register.
